The Czech Republic is electing a new president and a tight race is expected between former prime minister Babiš, former general Pavel and economics professor Nerudová.
The two-day presidential election in the Czech Republic begins on Friday. Around 8.3 million citizens are called upon to directly choose their head of state. Polls point to a close race between populist former prime minister and billionaire Andrej Babiš, former general Petr Pavel and economics professor Danuše Nerudová.
Polling stations in EU and NATO member states open at 2 pm. Those entitled to vote can still vote on Saturday. If – as expected – none of the eight candidates wins an absolute majority, there will be a run-off in two weeks.
The President has predominantly representative functions, but is considered an important opinion maker in the Czech Republic. He also appoints constitutional judges and can refer laws back to parliament once. During the election campaign, the personalities of the candidates were in the foreground, but topics such as high inflation and the attitude towards the war in Ukraine were also discussed. Current President Miloš Zeman’s term ends at the beginning of March. The 78-year-old was not allowed to run again after two electoral terms.
(APA/DPA)